Turkey’s automatic World Cup qualification hopes are slim, requiring a significant victory margin. Captain Hakan Calhanoğlu’s absence further hinders their challenge against Spain.
Vincenzo Montella faces a selection challenge ahead of Tuesday’s match against Spain. The Turkey coach will be without key midfielder Hakan Calhanoğlu.
The Inter Milan midfielder did not travel to Seville, according to ‘AS’, after sustaining a right wrist injury during the match against Bulgaria. Montella has consequently omitted him from the squad.
Additionally, Montella may opt to rest Kenan Yildiz, Akturkoglu, and Aydin. All three are one yellow card away from suspension, which would see them miss the subsequent fixture.
With Turkey‘s automatic qualification chances now minimal, and their progression to the play-offs highly probable, Montella is unwilling to risk the availability of these three players for the crucial March fixtures.